Caesar stared at Paul as if weighing his options and then he shrugged. I got better things to do. He pushed past Paul and left the room.
You okay? Paul looked at her with a concerned frown.
With a half-dozen students still gawking, she squared her shoulders and nodded. Yes. Im fine. Just another day in the classroom. She shot a glance at the teens still standing around, her eyebrows rising. Dont you have homes to go to?
They ducked their heads and scurried out the door, except for Alex and Kendall.
I cant believe what Caesar tried to pull. Someone needs to take him down. Kendall threw back her shoulders as if shed like to be the one to do itall five foot two of girl with attitude. Weve got enough going on around here without him playing the class jerk.
Elise grabbed Kendalls arm. You be careful around him. Hes got a lot more bulk to him than you, and apparently hes not afraid to throw it around.
He doesnt scare us, Alex said, standing as tall as his five-foot-four-inch frame would go. Im a black belt in tae kwon do.
Yeah, but he has eighty pounds on you, Elise reminded him.
The teens eyes narrowed. Doesnt matter how big you are. What matters is how you use what you have.
Yeah, Kendall added. I took self-defense, too. When Alex shot her a surprised look, she blushed. My dad insisted. Kendalls brows rose. It could happen to anybody. Look at that woman who disappeared last night. She was taken from her home right here in Breuer.
The blood in Elises head rushed to her stomach and she swayed. A woman disappeared? She frowned at Kendall. How did you know?
My dad works for the sheriffs department. Kendall laughed. I guess the cop thing runs in the family.
Elises gaze connected with Pauls. Did you know about this?
Paul nodded, wishing hed taken Melissas advice last night and called Elise as soon as hed heard. I got word about it last night.
Elises face went from white to red. Instead of blasting him, she turned calmly toward the teens. Kendall, Alex, did you need me for anything?
No, maam, Kendall responded.
Kendall and Alex left Paul and Elise alone in the classroom with the door half-closed.
Paul braced himself.
As soon as the kids were out of earshot, Elise launched her attack. Why didnt you call me?
We dont know whether or not the womans disappearance had anything to do with the note. Paul knew his answer wouldnt be good enough for her. She wanted to be in on every little detail, to stay on top of the threat to herself and her children.
Still, I want to know whats going on. She paced across the classroom and back, only to stop directly in front of him. I cant believe you didnt tell me. How could you? You know what it means to me. You know Im scared.
Exactly. If Id told you about the woman, you wouldnt have slept a wink.
You think I slept last night? She dropped her voice to just above a whisper. I had nightmares about him all night. This morning, I swear I saw Stan in every face on the street. Is he or is he not dead?
Paul sighed. We dont know with absolute certainty.
Thats not good enough, damn it. Her eyes glazed with moisture and she stepped closer. You dont know what its like to look over your shoulder every second of the day. Or the hell you go through when you let your children out of your sight to go to school. To school, for heavens sake. Her voice cracked and tears spilled over the edges of her eyelids and down her face. Why didnt you make sure he was dead then? If he is alive, what have I done to this town? What have I brought with me by moving here?
You havent brought anything. We dont know if its your husband or someone playing a prank on you. You have to give us time. He clasped her arms and stared down into her tear-streaked face.
Time? She looked up at him through hazy blue eyes. Does that missing woman have time?
A noise at the door drew Pauls attention, saving him from answering truthfully.
Kendall stood there, her eyes wide, her hand hovering, as if to knock. IIm sorry. I didnt mean to interrupt. Her glance darted to Elise and then to the desk where her backpack lay. I forgot something.
Get it, Elise said through her teeth, turning her back to the girl.
Kendall dove for the backpack and almost made it out the door when Elise swung back.
Kendall, wait. She scrubbed her hand over her cheeks and frowned at the teen. How much of our conversation did you overhear?
The girl eased around. Not much. She didnt look Elise in the eye when she responded. I have to go. She spun toward the door.
Kendall. Paul stepped in front of her. How much did you hear?
Nothing Ill repeat. I swear. Kendall looked around Paul to Elise. Alex and I like you, Ms. Johnson. Youre our favorite teacher. Wed never do or say anything that would hurt you.
Elise stared at her for a long moment. Its very important that whatever you think you might have heard doesnt go outside this room.
The girl nodded, her eyes wide, scared. I promise, it wont.
Go home, Kendall. Elise gave her a crooked smile, but the smile faded and she added, And lock your doors.
When the young lady had gone, Elise glanced up at Paul, a worried frown drawing her brows together. If word gets out about my problem, Ill be kicked out of this school so fast, I wont know what hit my backside.
I dont think the kid will rat on you. Paul stared into her tearstained face. Are you ready to leave?
Yes. She glanced around the room one last time as if checking for stray students. My boys will be home soon.
But she didnt move yet. Maybe I should turn in my resignation now and save the school the worry.
Dont borrow trouble, Elise. Youre a good teacher. You have a right to a life.
Yeah, so do the rest of the people of Breuer. She looked up into his eyes, her face pale and pinched. So did the woman who disappeared.
What could he say to that? Paul fought the urge to pull Elise into his arms and shield her from all the ugliness the world had to offer.
After Elise slung her handbag over her shoulder, Paul hurried her out of the classroom and off campus.
Well take my truck. He waved toward a big, dark gray pickup parked in the visitors parking area.
No, Ill need my car. When she tried to step around him and go to her car, he snagged her arm.
Thats what I came here to talk to you about. He held the passenger door open. Before the boys get home, I have something to tell you and I dont want you driving while I tell you.
You mean theres more? She closed her eyes, her face going dangerously pale.
Yeah. Get in. He all but lifted her into the seat and closed the door. When hed climbed in beside her and had the door safely shut, he turned in his seat. They found Lauren Pendley this afternoon. She was the missing woman.
Oh, God. Elise pressed her fist to her lips, her blue eyes wide and shining with unshed tears. Where?
Paul wished he didnt have to tell her. This woman had gone through so much already. He hesitated.